Afriaka
Afriaka is a Soul/Latin/Funky/Jazz/afrobeat band. It is a brand new band full of energy, vibes, juice and fun. The band is lookinng to go the full nine that is sell loads of records and touch millions of people around the world. There is something there for everyone.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Tobi is a singer/song writer/guitarist and he wanted to bring people with common interest of music together to create and share in his dream to touch the world musically. So he set about recruiting the band members. On drums is an old time friend named Yusuf. They attended the same university. Yusuf is also a vocalist. On bass is Ray who Tobi met at a jam session in Fulham. Tobi was impressed with his tightness and ease of playing. They are still looking for a keyboardist and guitarist. The vibe in rehearsal is starting to build and take shape powerfully. As soon as the chord masters join the party, it'll be all systems go from that point onwards so watch this space.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Not currently as we are in the embryonic stages. We rehearse regularly and we will be playing live very soon.
Your musical influences
The influence is vast and it includes Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Earth Wind and Fire, Sam Cooke, Frank McComb, Ayinla Omoruwa, Haruna Ishola, Fela Anikolapo Kuti, Jim Reeves, Brother Johnson, Gilberto Astrud etc etc. The spectrum of genres are soul, rnb, reggea, funk, country, blues, apala, afrobeat, bossa, salsa and flamenco
